What We’re Reading

New York Times reporters and editors are highlighting great stories from around the web. You can receive What We’re reading by email, and let us know how you like it at wwr@nytimes.com.

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CreditNicholas K. Geranios/Associated Press

Not Giving Her a Pass

From The Stranger: For those who still think Rachel Dolezal, the former head of a N.A.A.C.P. chapter who “passed” for black, as nothing more than a strange, humorous enigma lifted straight from a Paul Beatty or Nell Zink novel — in other words, harmless — may want to spend time with this moving profile by a scholar on race. The piece shows how a woman who claims to be transracial is only enforcing racial oppression, not chipping away at it. — Jenna Wortham, staff writer, New York Times Magazine

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CreditAudra D. Bridges, via Associated Press

How United Falls

From Practical Nomad: Some of us are still blown away by the violent way a paying airline passenger was recently dragged off a United Airlines plane. Well, Edward Hasbrouck, a travel writer and consumer advocate, offers up a deep dive into the episode with fascinating details behind the story. — Lynda Richardson, senior staff editor, Travel

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CreditJewel Samad/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Art in Context

From Greg Fallis: A lot has been written about “Fearless Girl,” the art installation in Lower Manhattan across from the famous sculpture, “Charging Bull.” But Greg Fallis, a writer and photographer, makes a persuasive case that we are looking at her all wrong, and that we have been had. This is worth reading no matter where you stand on this, even if, like me, you’re not an art person. — Matt Apuzzo, domestic correspondent

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CreditDavid Ramos/Getty Images

No Politics Here

From Our Picks: Need a break from the news? Read about why it’s O.K. to be grumpy at work, a church service that’s more like a rock concert and the secret to staying married. — Michelle L. Dozois, growth strategy editor

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CreditDavid Gray/Reuters

(Hurri)Canes

From Outside: They are huge — as big as five pounds — and ugly, and secrete venom from their shoulders. Australia has 1.5 billion of them. Now they’re taking over Florida — and they may be coming for you. Behold: the unstoppable cane toad. — Michael Wines, national correspondent